Nanjing Chemical Material Corp.
Carbomer 940 is a high-molecular-weight crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer that is widely used in modern cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. It has become a key ingredient in many product formulations due to its excellent thickening, suspending, and emulsifying properties. This article will detail the properties, functions, and important roles of Carbomer 940 in practical applications.
Carbomer 940 is a white, fluffy powder with strong water-absorbing characteristics. It can quickly thicken at low concentrations to form a transparent, smooth gel. Carbomer 940 has good rheological properties, making it particularly suitable for product formulations that require high viscosity and thixotropy.
One of the most notable features of this material is its ability to form a transparent gel after neutralization. Common neutralizing agents include triethanolamine and sodium hydroxide. When Carbomer 940 is dispersed in water and reacts with alkaline neutralizing agents, the molecular chains expand, causing the solution’s viscosity to rise rapidly, forming a stable gel system.
High thickening efficiency: A very small amount can significantly increase the system’s viscosity.
High transparency: Can make clear and transparent gels, enhancing product appearance quality.
Strong stability: Good stability against heat, light, and oxidation, making it suitable for long-term storage.
Good compatibility: Can be well compatible with most nonionic and anionic surfactants.
Soft texture: End products feel smooth and non-sticky, popular among consumers.
Carbomer 940 is an indispensable thickener and emulsification stabilizer in skincare formulations, widely used in creams, lotions, cleansing gels, and hand sanitizers. It not only provides the product with good consistency but also stabilizes the emulsification system, greatly reducing the risk of oil-water separation.
In topical ointments and gel formulations, Carbomer 940 is used as a drug carrier that aids in better drug penetration into the skin and maintains a sustained-release effect. Additionally, it is used as a suspending agent in eye drops, enhancing the uniformity of drug efficacy.
In products like toothpaste, shaving cream, and hair gel, Carbomer 940 can provide appropriate viscosity and texture, making products easier to apply and improving the user experience.
When using Carbomer 940, attention should be paid to its pH sensitivity. Insufficient or excessive neutralization can affect the stability and transparency of the gel. Additionally, the dispersion process should involve slow stirring to avoid clumping, ensuring it is fully hydrated to achieve ideal results.
